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Doctoral Program

Learn research from our leading global researchers.
Given our school's prominent place in thought leadership, we take great care in training the next generation of influential business academics. Our renowned faculty members work closely with students in the Doctoral Program to instill the highest level of scholarship.

We prepare these candidates through coursework, directed reading, and research projects. Our location and prominent place in the business world don't hurt, either. Here, PhD students can consult countless industry leaders and access reams of corporate data to drive their work forward.

Academics

Students can pursue a PhD in any of our major fields of study. We begin the rigorous program by teaching candidates basic research methods, as well as high-level material in their area of interest. As they develop their skills, students start doing original work, which culminates in the dissertation.

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Admissions

Like what you see? When you're ready to apply to the Doctoral Program, follow the guidelines in the pages ahead. Remember: applications are due January 5, 2015 for entry into the fall 2015 entering class.

Application Deadline

Job Market

Once they complete the Doctoral Program, our PhDs tend to do quite well in academia. We take great pride in their success and we look forward to guiding the next generation of Columbia researchers through the placement process.

Top Ten Doctoral Program Questions

The Program takes a minimum of four years to complete. Most students complete the process in five years.

Do I need a masters degree or business background to pursue a doctorate?

We do not require a business undergraduate degree or masters to apply or be accepted to our Doctoral Program. We have had several students from degree programs including: Economics, Statistics, Psychology, Sociology, Mathematics, and Engineering, among others.

Is a Doctoral Degree right for me?

Unlike an undergraduate or master level program, where individual courses are incorporated with a highly structured learning experience, the doctoral education places an emphasis on self-directed learning and close relationships with a select few faculty in a particular area of specialization. Programs typically involve intense reading of academic journals and writing original research. Doctoral students usually grow close relationships with their faculty mentors. These advisors work closely with the students to define a course of research and help provide guidance in the dissertation process.

Unfortunately our Doctorate is available only as a full time, in residence program.

How do I apply?

Apply using our online application. We ask that you do not send any documents directly to the School, all materials can be submitted online. Please comply with the posted application deadlines, being sure to include all required components of the application.

How many students will you accept this year?

The aim of our Program is to accept 23 students per year (Accounting: 4, DRO: 4, Finance: 6, Management: 5, Marketing: 4).

Does the Doctoral Program have specific prerequisites?

While we have no prerequisites for application, students with limited quantitative backgrounds may benefit from taking accounting, mathematics, econometrics and statistics before enrolling. We encourage you to explore each Division’s requirements before applying the Analytical thinking and quantitative tools have a significant influence on success in the program.

Is the doctoral program appropriate for career improvement as a business consultant or manager?

No, the goal of the Doctoral Program is to place graduates in academic institutions as top researchers and instructors. If you have a different goal in mind we encourage you to investigate our MS Programs which combine the Doctoral level coursework in a masters package.

Are students offered financial support?

A full financial aid package is offered to most admitted students, this includes tuition, fees, and stipends. Our living stipend is provided in the form of a fellowship. Students are not required to secure jobs as teaching or research assistants. However, most students do during their careers as a way to supplement their funding package.

Profiles: PhD Students

Shiri MelumadMarketing
When asked about the Program's sense of community Shiri says: “There is a tight-knit community amongst the marketing students, and the relationships I have formed have been both professionally and personally rewarding.